Monthly Rent Breakdown: Studio, 1BR, 2BR in Cebu(2025 Edition)

2025年8月1日 Cebu Real Estate Guide

Contents

Monthly Rent Breakdown: Studio, 1BR, 2BR in Cebu (2025 Edition)

Monthly Rent Breakdown: Studio, 1BR, 2BR in Cebu (2025 Edition)

1. Introduction: Why Cebu’s Rental Market Deserves Your Attention

Cebu continues to grow as one of the Philippines’ leading real estate markets. With the expansion of Cebu IT Park, influx of BPO companies, and the ongoing development of infrastructure, rental properties remain in high demand. For both locals and foreigners, understanding how much it costs to rent a studio, one-bedroom (1BR), or two-bedroom (2BR) unit in Cebu is essential.

Whether you’re a renter, property investor, or overseas worker looking to relocate, this guide will help you make smarter decisions.

2. Key Factors That Affect Rent in Cebu

Before diving into the numbers, consider the following rent influencers:

Location (IT Park, Lahug, Mandaue, etc.)
Unit Size and Layout
️ Furnishing Level (furnished vs. bare)
️ Building Amenities (pool, gym, security, elevator)
⏳ Rental Term (short-term or long-term)
Market Timing (peak season, post-pandemic shifts)

3. Studio Apartment Rent in Cebu

Average Size: 20–28 sqm

Monthly Rent Range (2025): ₱14,000 – ₱23,000

Area	Bare	Semi-Furnished	Fully Furnished
Cebu IT Park	₱17,000	₱19,000	₱21,000 – ₱23,000
Lahug	₱14,000	₱16,000	₱18,000 – ₱20,000
Mabolo	₱13,000	₱15,000	₱17,000 – ₱19,000
Mandaue	₱12,000	₱14,000	₱16,000 – ₱18,000

✅ Best For: Solo professionals, BPO employees, digital nomads
⚠️ Note: Furnished studios in IT Park command premium rates due to location and walkability.

4. 1-Bedroom (1BR) Condo Rent in Cebu

Average Size: 30–45 sqm

Monthly Rent Range (2025): ₱22,000 – ₱38,000

Area	Bare	Semi-Furnished	Fully Furnished
Cebu Business Park	₱25,000	₱28,000	₱33,000 – ₱38,000
IT Park	₱23,000	₱27,000	₱30,000 – ₱36,000
Lahug	₱20,000	₱23,000	₱27,000 – ₱30,000
Mabolo	₱18,000	₱21,000	₱25,000 – ₱28,000

✅ Best For: Young couples, digital professionals, expats
⚠️ Note: High demand for 1BR units in Ayala Cebu Business Park due to proximity to malls and offices.

5. 2-Bedroom (2BR) Condo Rent in Cebu

Average Size: 50–75 sqm

Monthly Rent Range (2025): ₱35,000 – ₱70,000

Area	Bare	Semi-Furnished	Fully Furnished
Cebu Business Park	₱45,000	₱52,000	₱60,000 – ₱70,000
Mactan Beachfront	₱38,000	₱45,000	₱55,000 – ₱65,000
IT Park	₱35,000	₱40,000	₱48,000 – ₱55,000
Lahug	₱30,000	₱35,000	₱42,000 – ₱50,000

✅ Best For: Families, long-stay expats, professionals with roommates
⚠️ Note: Premium sea-view units in Mactan command the highest prices.

6. RFO vs. Pre-Selling Rental Pricing

Type	Advantage	Typical Monthly Rent
Ready-for-Occupancy (RFO)	Immediate use	Market rate or higher
Pre-Selling (Post-turnover)	New units, lower deposit	Often lower in first 6 months

Many owners of newly turned-over units offer promo rent rates to attract first tenants.

7. What’s Included in Monthly Rent (and What’s Not)?

Item	Usually Included?
Condo Dues	❌ No (add ₱1,500–₱4,000)
Internet	❌ No
Utilities (Water, Electric)	❌ No
Parking Slot	❌ Optional add-on
Furnishing	✅ If advertised

Always confirm what’s included in the monthly rate to avoid surprise charges.

8. Cebu Rental Market Trends in 2025

Upward trend in furnished rental prices, especially in IT Park and Mactan
Stable pricing for bare units, limited demand due to longer move-in prep
️ New projects in Mandaue and SRP introducing budget 1BR and 2BR options
Growing digital nomad market demanding fiber WiFi and fully furnished units

9. Typical Lease Terms

Term	Duration	Deposit & Advance
Short-term	1–6 months	1 month advance + 1 month deposit
Standard lease	12 months	2 months deposit + 1 month advance
Corporate lease	12–24 months	Varies (may require official receipt issuer)

Landlords may offer discounts for 6-month or annual upfront payment.

10. Where to Find Rental Listings in Cebu

DotProperty, Lamudi, Rentpad: Good for verified listings
Facebook Marketplace, Cebuano Rental Groups: High volume, needs due diligence
Broker-assisted leasing: Often required for corporate units
Serviced apartments: Alternative to long leases (higher price, full furnishings)

11. How COVID-19 Changed Rental Pricing

Pandemic led to rent drops in 2021–2022
2023–2025 saw steady recovery, particularly for furnished units
Airbnb restrictions led to long-term leases rising in condo-centric areas

Today, rental prices have returned to 2019–2020 levels in most business districts.

12. Advice for Tenants: How to Negotiate Lower Rent

Offer longer lease (12–24 months)
Request free condo dues or WiFi inclusion
Compare 2–3 similar listings before finalizing
Pay several months upfront (discounts possible)

️ Sample: “Would you be willing to reduce the rate to ₱26,000 if I commit to 12 months and pay 6 months in advance?”

13. Sample Monthly Budget Scenarios (2025)

‍ Solo Renter – Studio in IT Park

Rent: ₱21,000
Condo Dues: ₱2,500
Internet: ₱1,500
Electricity + Water: ₱3,000
Total: ₱28,000/month

‍❤️‍ Couple – 1BR in Lahug

Rent: ₱26,000
Condo Dues: ₱2,200
Internet: ₱1,500
Utilities: ₱3,500
Total: ₱33,200/month

‍‍ Family – 2BR in Mactan

Rent: ₱55,000
Condo Dues: ₱4,000
Internet: ₱1,500
Utilities: ₱4,500
Total: ₱65,000/month

14. Final Thoughts: Which Unit Is Right for You?

Profile	Best Unit Type
Digital Nomad	Furnished Studio (IT Park)
Young Couple	1BR near Ayala or Lahug
Small Family	2BR in Mandaue or Mactan
Corporate Renter	1BR/2BR in Cebu Business Park

Ultimately, the best rental unit depends on your work location, lifestyle, and budget flexibility.

Frequently Asked Questions: Renting Studio, 1BR, and 2BR Units in Cebu

1. What is the average rent for a studio apartment in Cebu?

As of 2025, the monthly rent for a studio unit in Cebu ranges from ₱14,000 to ₱23,000. The price depends on the location, furnishing, and amenities. IT Park and Cebu Business Park tend to have higher rates compared to Mandaue or Lahug.

2. How much does a 1-bedroom condo usually cost to rent monthly?

For 1BR units, rent generally ranges from ₱22,000 to ₱38,000 per month. Fully furnished units in premium areas like Ayala Center or IT Park command the highest prices, especially if they offer full amenities like pools, gyms, and security.

3. What are the typical rental prices for 2-bedroom condos in Cebu?

Two-bedroom units cost anywhere from ₱35,000 to ₱70,000 per month. Mactan beachfront condos and units in Cebu Business Park are on the higher end due to views, larger floor areas, and location appeal to families and expats.

4. Are utilities usually included in the rent?

No. Most rental listings in Cebu do not include utilities like electricity, water, or internet in the advertised rent. Tenants typically pay these separately, which can cost an additional ₱4,000 to ₱8,000 monthly depending on usage.

5. What are condo dues and how much do they cost?

Condo dues are maintenance fees charged by the building’s management for upkeep of common areas and amenities. These typically range from ₱1,500 to ₱4,000 per month, depending on the size of your unit and the building’s policies.

6. Is it cheaper to rent a bare unit?

Yes. Bare units can be ₱3,000–₱7,000 cheaper per month compared to furnished ones. However, tenants must provide appliances, furniture, and sometimes lighting and air conditioning, which can be a high upfront cost.

7. How do I find verified rental listings in Cebu?

You can use real estate platforms like Lamudi, DotProperty, and Rentpad. Facebook Marketplace and real estate groups are also popular, but require extra caution to avoid scams. Using a licensed broker is recommended for corporate leases.

8. Can I negotiate the rent?

Yes. Renters often successfully negotiate for lower rent, free Wi-Fi, or waived condo dues—especially for long-term leases or advance payments. Offering to sign a 12-month lease or pay 6 months upfront may give you leverage.

9. What’s the usual deposit and advance payment required?

Most landlords in Cebu require 2 months’ security deposit and 1 month advance rent. Some may offer more flexible terms for fully furnished or newly turned-over units. Always ask for an official receipt and lease contract.

10. What areas offer the most affordable studio rentals?

Mandaue, Mabolo, and select parts of Lahug offer studios from ₱12,000 to ₱16,000 per month. These are generally semi-furnished or bare, making them attractive to students or BPO professionals.

11. What’s the best location for 1BR or 2BR rentals?

IT Park and Cebu Business Park are ideal for those who work in corporate or BPO offices. Mactan is preferred by retirees and those looking for beachfront living. Lahug and Banilad are great middle-ground options with lower rates and good access.

12. Are there short-term rental options available?

Yes. Some condo units allow monthly or even weekly leases, especially in areas with high tourism traffic. However, these may come at a premium compared to standard 12-month leases. Airbnb and serviced apartments are alternatives.

13. Do landlords accept foreign tenants?

Yes. Most Cebu landlords are open to foreigners, especially in areas with expat populations. However, some may request a local co-signer or additional documentation such as proof of employment or visa status.

14. What’s the difference between RFO and newly turned-over units?

RFO (Ready for Occupancy) units are available for immediate move-in. Newly turned-over units from pre-selling projects might offer discounts but may lack full furnishings. RFO units are usually slightly more expensive but move-in ready.

15. How much should I budget monthly for a condo in Cebu?

For a solo renter in a studio, budget ₱25,000–₱30,000/month all-in. For couples in a 1BR, ₱30,000–₱38,000 is typical. For families in a 2BR, ₱50,000–₱65,000/month covers rent, dues, and basic utilities.

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